commencement

Fall semester at Western Carolina University has just begun, but faculty and staff involved in commencement already are pondering a couple of big changes that will take effect as the university celebrates its fall graduating class in December.

Recognition of undergraduate students sporting perfect GPAs for their college careers, the awarding of an honorary doctorate to a revered Cherokee elder, and an address by one of the University of North Carolina system’s top teachers were among the highlights from a trio of spring commencement ceremonies held at Western Carolina University.

Western Carolina University has scheduled three commencement ceremonies over a two-day period – Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6 – to recognize the academic achievements of graduating students who comprise what is expected to be the university’s sixth straight record spring class.

The purple side of Western Carolina University’s traditional purple and gold colors will be much more in prominence at the university’s fall commencement ceremonies as students receiving bachelor’s degrees will be switching from wearing mostly black to predominately purple academic regalia.

Recognition of undergraduate students recording perfect 4.0 GPAs for their college careers and an address by one of the University of North Carolina system’s top teachers were among the highlights from a trio of spring commencement ceremonies held at Western Carolina University.

Families and graduating students who will be traveling on U.S. 23-74 to attend Western Carolina University commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday (May 6-7) are advised to build in extra travel time in case of traffic back-ups between Balsam and Sylva.

Western Carolina University will hold a trio of commencement ceremonies over a two-day period – Friday and Saturday, May 6-7 – to recognize the academic achievements of what is expected to be the university’s fifth straight record spring graduating class.